How do I join an ARK LAN game?

Could you please elaborate on the steps required to successfully join an ARK LAN game? As a cryptocurrency and finance professional, I'm not necessarily familiar with the specifics of game networking, but I'm keen to learn. Are there specific port configurations needed? Does everyone playing need to be on the same local network? What about firewall or router settings? I'd appreciate a detailed explanation, including any prerequisites or recommended hardware/software requirements, to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Thank you for your time and assistance.